Kapaleeshwarar Temple Panguni Festival 2026 — Nine Days of Processions in Mylapore

The Panguni Peruvizha at Kapaleeshwarar Temple is one of Chennai’s most anticipated annual events, a nine-day celebration that transforms the streets of Mylapore into a living heritage procession. The most important festival observed in this temple is the Panguni Festival. In 2026, the festival runs from March 23 to April 1. The Arubathimoovar festival is scheduled for March 30, followed by Thirukalyanam on April 1, 2026.

The festival begins on 23 March 2026 with the Kodiyetram (Sacred Flag Hoisting Ceremony) in the morning, followed by the Velli Pavazhakaal Vimanam (Silver Coral Chariot Procession) and a special Shiva Puja display at night. On March 24, the Suriya Vattam (Sun God Circular Ritual) takes place in the morning and Chandira Vattam (Moon God Circular Ritual) at night. Each day brings a different vahana (sacred mount) procession, with the deities Kapaleeshwarar and Karpagambal carried through the Mada Streets in elaborate decoration.

The Arubathimoovar festival is the most important procession, named after the sixty-three Nayanmars who attained salvation by their devotion to Lord Shiva. All sixty-three Nayanmar idols follow the Kapaleeshwarar idol on this procession. During the car festival, Kapaleeshwarar is depicted holding a bow while seated on a throne, with his wife Karpagambal alongside. Brahma is depicted riding the chariot. The chariot is decorated with flowers and statues and there are huge gatherings of devotees to pull the ther.

Flowers and fruits are offered as sacrifices to the gods. Kolams are used to beautify devotees’ homes and streets. Folk music and the Kokkalikattai and Koothu dances are often performed during celebrations. During the event, the well-known thoippavai puppet performance is presented. Thousands of devotees throng the temple to witness and take part in the procession of the 63 idols as they are carried across Mylapore’s streets.

The festival also draws Chennai’s carnatic music community. Annual kutcheri (concert) series during Panguni season bring vocalists, violinists, and mridangam artists to the sabhas around Mylapore, making the final week of March one of the most musically rich periods in the city’s calendar outside of the December season.

The Mada Streets surrounding the temple — North Mada Street, South Mada Street, East Mada Street, and West Mada Street — are the procession route and are lined with flower sellers, prasad vendors, and devotees throughout the nine days. If you have not experienced a Mylapore procession night, the Arubathimoovar on March 30 is the single most crowded and spectacular evening of the year.

Key dates at a glance:

• March 23 — Flag hoisting, festival inauguration
• March 25 — Adhikara Nandi (Sacred Bull Deity procession)
• March 30 — Arubathimoovar Peruvizha (the 63 Nayanmar procession, the biggest night)
• April 1 — Thirukalyanam (celestial wedding ceremony, grand finale)